In the fall of 1984, high school students Amanda Collier and Dawson Cole fell deeply, irrevocably in love. Though they were from opposite sides of the tracks, their love for one another seemed to defy the realities of life in the small town of Oriental, North Carolina. But as the summer of their senior year came to a close, unforeseen events would tear the young couple apart, setting them on radically divergent paths.

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In the fall of 1984, high-school students Amanda Collier and Dawson Cole fell deeply, irrevocably in love. Though they were from opposite sides of the tracks, their love for one another seemed to defy the realities of life in the small town of Oriental, North Carolina. But as the summer of their senior year came to a close, unforeseen events would tear the young couple apart, setting them on radically divergent paths.

Now, 25 years later, Amanda and Dawson are summoned back to Oriental for a funeral. Neither has lived the life they imagined - and neither can forget the passionate first love that forever changed their lives. Forced to confront painful memories, the two former lovers soon realize that everything they thought they knew - about themselves and the dreams they held dear - was not as it seemed. And in the course of a single, searing weekend, they will ask of the living, and the dead: Can love truly rewrite the past?

I cannot believe I listened to this book all the way through. Mr. Sparks, I know every story doesn't have to have a happy ending but books are my entertainment. While you can weave quite a story. This is just too depressing. I found it unbelieveable long maybe it was just dragging me down. Narrator performance was very good. I do not purchase or listen to books to be taken this far down emotionally. If you are a NS fan, you will probably buy this as I did but I cannot recommend this book.

But, yes, I also listen to Nicholas Sparks occasionally. The story itself is vintage Sparks sappy, fairly predictable, made for movie. The narration is average, but it didn't stand up. Nothing particularly special about this book, but it was a good read.

O.K. It is Nicholas Sparks...he is an amazing story teller. I gave the story 5 stars, which, in terms of story telling, it deserves. The Best of Me is quality writing, with outstanding character development, and storyline...but, I have to ask myself...did I come away with anything? The answer is an absolute "no", unless feeling depressed is something to brag about. On the one hand, I love the way he describes the characters and situations, although the ending was very predictable. Sean Prat has a great voice and does an amazing job of narration. Nicholas Sparks will not be on my short list of books to purchase anymore...Don't waste your credit - unless you are in the mood to feel basically hopeless...

The story line is weak and slow. The characters are not appealing. You really don't care what happens to them. I am 90% through with the book and have quit listening. The ending is now obvious and so ridiculous that I can't stand to listen to it. This book is sappy beyond belief. The narrator is just OK.

Loved It! I listened to the whole novel in one day...Sparks did a masterful job of leading the listener through the characters' thoughts and actions...allowing you to predict outcomes but often the expected...would twist and create emotions that you didn't anticipate. The narration was perfect and this is well worth your time!

When I knew that Nicholas Sparks would be having his newest book released Oct. 11th, 2011 I could hardly wait! The wait was worth it, of course. He writes in a manner that keeps ones attention and always there is a twist that twinges the emotions, and this one doesn't fail to meet that.

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